Biodiversity

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Contact Mr. Palmer at 508-835-4475 ext. 104 for more information. The program is open to any 6th, 7th or 8th grade, and high school students.

"THE MASSACHUSETTS SECRETARY'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION."

The photo to the right was submitted to show the essence of the bio diversity club. This photo assisted in winning the award of excellence given to Mr. Palmers' club.

Advisor
Mr. Palmer organized and has been the advisor for the club from its beginning in 1998. He has been a naturalist all his life eventually studying at the Tom Brown Tracking School and later taking classes by the Paul Rezendes School. He has tracked wildlife in the Rockies and in Canada for both public and private institutions. Prior to becoming the West Boylston seventh grade science teacher he worked as a Massachusetts Audubon Society education coordinator for many years.

Club Officers
- President, James Marsden, Gr. 12, 6 Year member

- Research assistant, Club photographer, vice president, Victoria Cormier, Gr. 12, 6 Year member

Biodiversity Naturalists
If you don't mind long hard walks in hot or cold weather, bugs, mud, being wet, carrying equipment, or getting dirty - then join us for a two hour field trip.
-Identification Skills-Naturalists are giving the opportunity to learn how to observe and identify local flora and fauna. Although we are interested in everything we concentrate specifically on trees, ferns, birds and mammals.
Students are required to maintain an index card learning log and notebook.
It is recommended that students have a natural journal, field bag, binoculars, camouflage clothing, and field guides.

What We Do:
- The club's main objective is to observe and identify wildlife. Over the past seven years 76 students have spent more than 4000 hours in the outdoor pursuing this goal. To date, we have identified and documented more than 300 different types of organisms in our town.
- Field Trips, in general, will be held on Saturday or Sunday mornings. There are approximately 10-15 outings during the course of a year. Participants will need to arrange transportation. Most sites will be in town or close by.
- Occasional meetings will be held on various Thursdays after school from 2:05 to 3:05. Approximately 5 per year, they focus on "how to" information such as how to track or how to bird watch.

Biodiversity Trackers
For serious students that wish to immerse them selves in the natural world.
Candidates for this program need to successfully complete 30 hours as a naturalists. Applicants will then need to pass a "Field practical" examination conducted by the advisor and club officers.
-Data Collection- Students will scientifically document species and interpret data on the avian, mammal and tree projects as well as other independent projects and activities.
-Wildlife Observation-Students will learn how to utilize all senses in order to track by perfecting sustained silent behavior both while still and in motion.

animation by Lucas White

How We Do It/Requirements for Middle/High School
Middle School
Middle School Students are given the opportunity to learn how to observe and identify local flora and fauna on two to four hour field trips. Although we are interested in everything we concentrate specifically on Trees, Ferns, Birds and Mammals

Requirements
A journal with a minimum of ten hand written full page entries and ten sketches. A list of 75 species, minimum, documented annually. Specific rules for various trips will need to be followed. Anyone unable to meet these and other club expectations will forfeit their registration to someone on the waiting list.

High School
For serious students that wish to immerse themselves in the natural world. Candidates for this program need to successfully complete four prerequisites

Prerequisites
Journal with 20 entries/drawings
150 documented species
Passing grade on identification test
Pass the field practical

Requirements
Advanced Wildlife Observation. Students will learn how to utilize all senses in order to track in time and space by perfecting sustained silent behavior both while still and in motion.

Plus one of the following-
Journal, 10 entries/ drawings annually
Eco-Data Collection/Analysis
Independent study-meet with advisor, guidance and administration.
Community service, see advisor.

Fun but not required
An index card learning log, field bag, binoculars, camouflage clothing, field guides, magnifying glass, hiking shoes, measuring tape.

We Need Your Assistance!!!!
The Bio-diversity club is sustained in a large part due to the generosity of the community. We greatly appreciate and welcome contributions and donations. The following is a partial list of the type of items we could use.
Binoculars, Scopes, Magnifiers, Books, Magazines, Nets, Camouflage clothing, Tape measures, Bird song tapes/ CD, Snow shoes, slide film and development, USGS topographical maps.
- Money in general is also accepted so we are able to purchase the aforementioned. It does not have to be a large donation. Every little bit helps, and we thank you for making your contribution!

All donations can be brought to Mr. Palmer

Parent Participation
Applicants for chaperones are available from the advisor. No adult is allowed to participate without registration and a Massachusetts C.O.R.I on file.

New!-Internships at a local wildlife sanctuary are available for qualified members of the club. Please note that they are only available through Mr. Palmer.

Click here for more information on the sanctuary!